Tropical Coconut Rice
Tropical Coconut Rice is a fragrant, flavorful dish combining coconut milk, pineapple, toasted coconut, and fresh herbs, perfect for a vibrant, summery meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. coconut milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. uncooked long grain white rice ⓘ
- 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pineapple tidbits ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded coconut toasted
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. cilantro fresh minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red bell pepper minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red onion minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped toasted cashews ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring water and coconut milk to a boil.
- Stir in rice and ginger, then cover.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer rice to a bowl and remove the ginger.
- Add pineapple, toasted shredded coconut, and minced cilantro to the rice and stir to combine.
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan.
- Add minced red bell pepper and red onion, then sauté until softened.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the rice and stir well.
- Finally, fold in chopped toasted cashews and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using full-fat coconut milk. If you want to add more protein, you can stir in some cooked shrimp or chicken after sautéing the vegetables. Substitute the red bell pepper with any color bell pepper, or even use a mix for added color. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can be used instead of cilantro for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tropical Coconut Rice as a delightful side with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect accompaniment to Chicken Breasts Stuffed with your favorite filling. It also pairs well with Nissua for a tropical-themed meal. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of coconut milk or water to prevent the rice from drying out, then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Coconut Rice contains roughly 685 calories, with 20g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (385% of the Daily Value), iron (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 862mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, and you may need to increase the water or coconut milk by half a cup.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses coconut milk and plant-based ingredients. Just ensure that the cashews are unsweetened and check any additional toppings for animal products.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve it with a spicy sauce or sriracha on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).